Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo): construction began in 1583 based on Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s orders. The high walls and moat made the complex almost unconquerable for a regular army.
Kunoichi - The Female Ninja In the history of Japan, there are numerous examples of women who, as empresses, magnates’ wives, and female warriors participating in battles, had great impact on their surroundings. Women of aristocratic families usually trained with naginata (light halberd). This continues to be a common practice today. Other weapon training popular with women included the short sword (wakizashi) and the knife (tanto). In ninja clans and families, women also had a special place. They were subject to the same strenuous training as men. Women were effective: oftentimes missions were only successfully accomplished because of them. In their operations, shinobi warriors utilized the principles of psychology. They used their opponents’ smallest defects, addictions, and weaknesses. Frequently, it was easier for women to sneak in and penetrate an area and house. Later, men’s weaknesses for women could be used against a male opponent. Female ninja could provide information that was collected indirectly or directly. Just as in modern times, women used to seduce preselected, prominent men in order to draw important information from them. Sometimes the task of a female ninja was to draw the attention of guards so other ninja could sneak in unseen. In other cases, they were employed in the intended victim’s house as kitchen help. By having access to food, they could augment meals with rather unhealthy ingredients. Kunoichi often worked alone. It was quite easy for a female to hide an effective weapon. In the Japanese culture, the appearance and styling of hair was the subject of great attention. It was common for women and men to wear ornamental combs and pins in their hair. The pin was a sign of a person’s status and origins. Thus, even a naked woman with a whole arsenal in her hair could be an extremely dangerous and effective warrior.
1. Mask of a woman from classical Japanese theater (19th century). Although in the Japanese theatrical tradition female roles were played by men, one could disguise one’s identity under heavy makeup or a mask. 2. Lovers. (Aclassical Shunga woodcut, 19th century). Awoman with a traditional hairstyle decorated with combs and pins.
A. Kogai: small wooden pins. B. Kozuka and kogatana: small utility knives. It was a weapon / tool that anyone could easily hide, especially women. They were usually included in a set with katana and wakizashi. Japanese hair ornaments were not simply used to fasten hair and keep the hairstyle in place. Women could also use combs, pins, and decorative pins (Kanzashi) as lethal and highly effective weapons.
Women’s clothing and haircuts underwent many changes, but the fashionable hairstyles were usually complex and heavily decorated. (Geisha in traditional kimono)
Tengu Legends about the origins of Ninjutsu are full of stories about mysterious creatures with feathers and long noses. Tengu appeared in stories about Minamoto Yoshitsune (1159-1189). The Minamoto clan lost a war with the Taira clan and was completely killed off. Only young Yoshitsune miraculously survived the massacre. He took refuge in the wild mountains and forests. The boy, according to tradition, swore to take ritual revenge. He devoted most of his time to training and preparation for the fight. Since he practiced mostly in forests, he managed to damage many trees. As a result, the forest deities became very angry. However, when they came to know the reason for his ferocious preparation, not only did they understand the young warrior, but from that moment on, Sojobo (the most important Tengu) and other deities began to teach the boy to fight with swords. They also transferred secret magical powers to him. As time passed, the Tengu began to be considered the deity associated with the practice of martial arts. Tengu had the ability to levitate, move rapidly, and even become invisible. The creatures were supposed to be aggressive and mischievous. Ninjas told stories about Tengu, comparing himself or herself to the deity. As Tengu, shinobi could suddenly appear in one place, then disappear even faster. Sometimes, someone who saw a ninja was convinced that in reality he had seen a ghost or spirit, rather than a man. The superstitious Japanese, with a culture and everyday life saturated with spirits and ghouls, began to associate the appearance of ninja with something supernatural. Mask from Noh, a form of Japanese theater. Many theatrical performances include scenes with spirits, ghosts, and other supernatural deities. Shinobis used this kind of mask to increase the psychological effect of fear in an opponent.
Winged Tengu. The mischievous creature presented as animal. Sometimes Tengu were presented as a combination of a bird of prey and a dangerous dog.
Winged Tengu. Two stone statues of Tengu in the robes of Yamabushi monks.
Gotonpo - Training in Nature Training in nature holds great importance in the practice of Ninjutsu. One Ninjutsu rule says that knowledge of how to retreat and how to protect oneself is a priceless, and superior value. While training in woods, in water, or in open fields, ninja learn how to use the support of the five elements of nature during the fight or the retreat. Mokuton- Wood Katon- Fire Doton- Earth Kinton - Metal Suiton- Water The skills ninjas needed to successfully conduct a mission included: to hide on the ground in grass, behind stones, and other objects to use a territory’s feature to one’s own advantage, to move smoothly when it was dark, to utilize lights and shadows when it was light, to use fire, blinding powder, and explosives, to anticipate weather conditions, and to use changes in weather conditions for tactical purposes. Today, some of these skills have only historical meaning, but some elements of Gotonpo haven’t lost their effectiveness. These skills are part of the training for special forces and can be used for private protection as well as survival skills. For example: when hiding in the grass we use the element of Doton – earth.
Mokuton (Wood) - Trees The use of tree trunks to make fingers firmer is an example of typical exercises from Shinden Fudo Ryu. In this school, training didn’t take place in enclosed spaces or in dojos, but in nature. Students practiced in forests with rotten tree trunks to strengthen fingers and with flexible branches to practice throws and to strengthen arm and shoulder muscles. These pictures show the use of the element of wood to hide and surprise the enemy in open spaces, the use of the element of earth (grass, stones, brush, hills, etc.) to hide in fields. There are many ways to use tree trunks for training. Presented is one of the forms fromShinden Fudo Ryu. When a ninja climbed onto the tree trunk, he wrapped his legs around the trunk and simulated strangulation by squeezing the opponent’s ribs, hitting the opponent on the forehead (Kikaku Ken) and striking with the blade of the hand Ura Shuto.
Natural Medicine and Magic The knowledge of the medicinal and nutritional properties of wild plants and herbs is an important skill in Ninjutsu. Ninjutsu also used to include bone manipulation, working with Ki energy (Chinese Qi energy), and hypnosis. A ninja warrior used to deal with magic using herbs, animals, and object from nature. Today, some Ninjutsu teachers maintain this tradition. When Bujinkan became popular, and Ninjutsu schools appeared all over the world, it became necessary to change this part of knowledge a bit by adjusting to the prevailing natural resources in a given geographical area. This is in accordance with the essence of Ninjutsu, as a principle of Ninjutsu is to adjust to each situation. Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) The plant has strong bactericidal properties, as well as the ability to stop bleeding. It is suitable for curing small open wounds. RIBWORT PLANTAIN (Plantago lanceolata) Protective magic, endurance, snakes and salamanders, magic energy. It is a very common, edible, and tasty plant. It grows on the edges of fields and along roads. Use in treatments: Fresh plantain leaves stop bleeding and accelerate the healing of minor wounds. Its roots can soothe toothaches. This plant has been used against evil spells. It can be inserted into shoes to enhance endurance during long trips. In locations that venomous snakes inhabit, the root of the plant placed on the ground of a sleeping area will deter uninvited reptiles and keeps them at a distance. The plant inserted under a pillow before going to bed magically protects against migraine headaches.
RED FLY AGARIC (Amanita muscaria) In Japan, it is called the red mushroom of Tengu. This mushroom is associated with contact with the netherworld. Use in treatments: It is a common poisonous mushroom. Consuming about 100 grams of this fresh mushroom causes death. However, there is a recipe for a potion from the fungus that provides for effective treatment of painful rheumatoid arthritis. For hundreds of years, red fly agaric was used as an intoxicating substance, often ending in tragedy. Today it is used successfully in homeopathy. There are ancient legends about rituals with this fungus, rituals which supported contact with the netherworld and enabled people to obtain needed information. According to written records, contact with the dead was established in this way only once a year, on October 1, when the wall separating the world of the dead and the world of the living was supposed to be thinner. COMFREY (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey was known and used in China and Japan. The plant was known to have power in relationships and financial magic. Comfrey grows fairly commonly in wetlands, in ditches, and on the banks of streams. Use in treatments: Due to its astringent properties, comfrey serves effectively as external compresses for subcutaneous hematoma and the swelling associated with displaced joints. In the myths, the plant’s roots can accrete when cut in the ground. In magic, it is used to build relationships and in spells for attracting money. STINGING NETTLE (Urtica dioica) Magic for exorcizing, protecting, and healing. One of the most important herbs; has a long history of medicinal use. The stinging nettle is edible and tasty. Use in treatments: The herb cures anemia, diabetes, purifies blood, removes rheumatic pains, helps in the treatment of prostate and radiation sickness. The plan grows along roads and in forests. Stinging nettle exorcizes negative spells and energies that, thanks to the plant, are returned to the sender. When thrown into fire, the herb repels approaching danger; placed in a bowl of water under the bed of patient, it will scare an illness away.
Kamae No Kata - Basic Position The teaching in Bujinkan starts with the stance (Kamae). Kamae is the beginning and ending of each movement and each technique. Students move smoothly (Nagare) from one position to another. The positions are taught as one continuum of forms Kamae No Kata. Positions in Ninjutsu have a fundamental importance and their use has a much wider application than in other well-known and popular martial arts. Positions are performed without unnecessary muscle tension. They help the Ninjutsu practitioner keep optimal contact with the surface and to thus receive from the element of earth the power needed for combat. The stances also have a huge psychological impact. They can hide intentions or mislead the enemy with regards to the direction the practitioner intends to take. Kamae is therefore a physical spine in Bujinkan. Correctly performed, Kamae impacts the entire movement and, to a large extent, determines the effectiveness of the performed techniques. Kamae, the stance, is the moment just before the movement. Kamae must be continuously perfected through right positioning of the body. Also, the particular positions represent spiritual attitudes and thoughtfulness of tactics. Great attention should also be paid to these spiritual aspects, because through them Kamae can be saturated with real meaning and life. Otherwise, Kamae will only represent the empty pose, with no connection to the martial art. Sanshin No Kata - Sho Shin Go-kei Go-gyo No Kata All Ninjutsu techniques and kata with partner, as well as real confrontations with an opponent, are reflected in the five elements. Each of these elements influences the physical movements differently and has various manifestations in a practitioner’s emotions. Initially, students practice the flow and smoothness of a particular form. Later, students work on understanding and feeling the work of the elements in a technique, using the elements in the movement, and finally embodying them. On the following pages, the forms of both Kamae No Kata and Sanshin No Kata are presented.
Kamae No Kata Teaching Bujinkan starts with a stance (Kamae). Kamae is the beginning and the end of every movement and every technique. Students move smoothly (Nagare) from one position to another. The positions are taught as one continuous form, Kamae No Kata.
Sanshin No Kata - Sho Shin Go-kei Go-gyo No Kata Chi No Kata - The Form of Earth These are well-grounded stances. The movement is firm, direct, and fierce.
Sui No Kata - The Form of Water The movement is soft and smooth.
Ka No Kata - The Form of Fire Dynamic and more aggressive movement.
Fu No Kata - The Form of Wind The movement is soft. A block and counterattack can occur simultaneously.
Ku No Kata - The Void Form The intention of the movement is to mislead the opponent. Initially, the opponent believes he understands the movement, but the movement then becomes perplexing. Finally, in the last phase, the opponent is surprised.
Ukemi Gata Taihenjutsu - The Passive Form of Defense Performing rolls and falls is a basic skill for injury-free training. In the real life, they can save someone’s life. Rolls can also be useful in attacks and self-defense: they can be used, for example, when one wants to approach or retreat from an opponent. Through the practice of rolls and falls, students get to know their own body better. The exercises also help students gain self-confidence. Ukemi and Kaiten techniques can be used in almost all real situations outside the dojo. When performing rolls and falls, one should remember to relax the body. The lungs should naturally be filled with air. The body should be rolled up (have a round form) as much as possible during rolls. The interior muscles should be relaxed while the external muscle group should be slightly tensed. Very often, in order to help students perform the movement in accordance to such rules, hints such as “calm” or “comfortable” help students achieve the body’s desired state. The head shouldn’t touch the ground. The body should never be in a position that is too high up or too far forward. Instead, the technique is performed by lowering the body’s weight and bending the knees. It is important to remember that rolls and falls should be practiced in all directions and that during the movement students should maintain eye contact with their surroundings. So Ku Ho Kai TenSideways Roll Zen Po KaitenForward Roll
Tachi Nagare(The Flow of Water)
Ho Ken Ju Roppo (16 Methods of Striking) The human body can be used in many ways to apply strikes and blocks. Almost every single part of the hands and feet can be used in a variety ways. However, some strikes and blocks are only known in Ninjutsu schools, including techniques with open and closed hands, as well as techniques that use fingers. The use of the thumb is an element characteristic to different Ninjutsu schools. Some of the techniques are finishing techniques: they might be deadly or they might leave the opponent unconscious. They might paralyze an opponent, and some create an opening for the next attack. The same rules apply to various techniques that use the leg. There are many kicks in Ninjutsu that are quite similar to those of other schools. But the most recognizable and characteristic kicks for the Ninjutsu are the crushing techniques.
Omote Shuto Ken: Outer Hand Blade Strike Shako Ken: the ClawFist, strike with the fingers curled like claws, used to strike and grab Ura Shuto Ken: inside hand blade strike Boshi Ken: the thumb strike, used to stab
Fudo Ken: strike with closed fist Crushing techniques use the hips and body weight. Most kicks are low kicks, with the exception of a jump kick. Commonly attacked points on the opponent’s body are: the solar plexus, hips, thighs, knees, ankles, and even the opponent’s metatarsal bones. If the goal is to kick the opponent’s head, this is usually preceded by taking the opponent’s balance or bringing the opponent to the ground. In Ninjutsu, the adept use of the whole body in combat is why sometimes the knees, elbows, and head are also used (such as at close range). Astrike with the head to the face, nose, or chin. Kicking, smashing, and stepping on the opponent’s foot, toes, or shin.
Sokuyaku Ken/Keri (Foot Dance) The crushing kick with bottom of foot or heel; it is used in various situations. One should practice the forward kick by raising the knee and thrusting the leg forward by pushing one’s hips. Do not kick too high. The most effective kick is a kick at the height of the solar plexus. Intercepting a kick from the sitting position in order to apply a counterattack to the inside of the leg or knee.
The kick to the hip while performing Hon Gyaku, a wristlock Sokuyaku Ken is a strong kick applied to puncture a target. During the technique, the bottom of the other foot remains on the ground.
Koho Keri - Backward Kick The kick is useful when tori pretends to turn defensively with his back toward the opponent. The kick to the hip while performing Hon Gyaku, a wristlock Sokuho Keri - Side Kick During the technique, the bottom of the other foot remains on the ground. During the technique, the bottom of the other foot remains on the ground.
Other uses for legs in techniques: Each part of the lower limb (knee, heel, foot, and toe) may have practical use in combat, both in offensive and defensive techniques (blocks, locks, and pins).
Kakato Keri Heel kick. The elliptic kick with the heel is perfect for combat at mid-range.
Aheel kick done while on the ground directed at the solar plexus. Kakato Geri A heel kick done while on the ground. A series of two kicks aimed at the face of an opponent who has already been knocked down. Tori kicks the opponent while falling down (backward roll). Both techniques — the kicks and the fall — are performed almost simultaneously, and then the combat is finished.
Kakato Geri: the finishing technique of a heel kick to the neck. The kick is applied after taking the opponent’s balance and applying a lock. Note: this is a very dangerous technique and should be practiced during class only under the supervision of an experienced teacher.
Tobi Sokuyaku Ken/Keri A jump kick with the bottom of the foot or heel. With techniques performed from a jump, an opponent may not only be surprised by the sudden change of level, but these techniques can also add to the force applied to a crushing technique.
Tobi Sokuyaku Ken/Keri - Ryote Form Typical for the Koto Ryu Koppo Jutsu, a double-leg kick.
Weapons: A Selection for a Variety of Distances. A majority of people recognize ninja warriors by their particular clothes and the weapons they use. For shinobi, any type of object that might help in combat, create an advantage, or help in winning the fight was a potential weapon. They used a variety of objects and equipment, depending on time, distance (close distance, medium distance, long distance), and individual preferences.
Taijutsu Body techniques The fundamental skills taught in Bujinkan are body techniques used in combat. The use of weapons is based on Taijutsu techniques. That is why those experienced and adept in Ninjutsu would have no problem using any type of weapon or using any object as a weapon. The termTai Ken (body fist) expresses the belief that not only can one use the head, hands, and leg for striking and pushing, but that other parts of the body can be used in combat as well. In the beginning of Bujinkan training, students learn about Kihon Happo, the eight basic principles. Kihon Happo includes the techniques used against eight basic forms of attack. Kihon Happo is divided into Kosshi Kihon Sanpo-No-Gata (three basic striking techniques) and Hoshu Kihon Goho-No-Gata (five basic grappling techniques). Later, students learn more complex forms with a partner, forms that are particular to Bujinkan Ryu. They also learn kata with a partner from various Ryu included in Bujinkan. At the same time, students are taught techniques and methods for using weapons. In the beginning, they are taught to use hanbo and bo; later, the jo, katana, tanto, as well as naginata, yari, kyoketsu shoge, and others. To master Taijutsu, it takes a lifetime of constant self-development and progress to perfect the use of weapons. Thus, students must show a great deal of humility and persistence. Some of the principles of Taijutsu: Shizen Gyo Un Ryu Sui (Move naturally, harmoniously, yet with energy) Ken Tai Ichi Jo (The power of technique results from the movement of the whole body) Shin Gi Tai Ichi (The union of spirit (shin), technique (gi), and body (tai)).
Kihon Happo (The Eight Principles): Musha Dori To perform effective techniques, it is important to skillfully lower and raise the body during the particular parts of a movement. This method is called Ten Chi (Earth and Heaven) and is always used in Taijutsu. Tori remains parallel to uke and hooks uke’s arm from below. This move causes tension in uke’s shoulder joint. Tori steps back with his left leg and performs Ichimonji No Kamae.
When uke shifts his balance to the front leg, tori steps in and pushes uke’s bent arm back. Uke loses his balance.
Kihon Happo Omote Gyaku Dori A twisting wristlock from the Ten Ryaku No Maki (the Strategy of Heaven)
Uke’s hand blocks uke’s view. For a split second, uke can’t see tori!